The 39th Annual Wearable Art Show Exhibit: "Back to our Roots"

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: lampshade fringe trim, re-constructed acid wash denim, plastic cutting board collar, pink accoutrements

Decor comes from the French word décor, meaning to decorate, and doesn’t fringe do just that? Artists Kelsey McNeil and Britta Adams combine subtle notes from the 80’s with a little French flair to create this Denim Fringe Femme Fatale, rocked by Britta.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: tulle, freezer paper, glue spray paint, hard hat, staples, dowels, 3,200 pull tabs (thank you Sourdough Bar!)

Artists and models Rachael Shull and Sky McInturff have been discovering more about their Tlingit and Athabascan roots, including stories about ravens, who can carry messages to the spirit worlds, and white ravens, who signify hope and healing. The family has suffered many losses, and talking to ravens allows them to communicate with those who have passed on.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: exercise mats, plaster, cardboard, curtains, flex rods, thrifted utility belt

This piece by artist Tara Edwards symbolizes the gold rush of Alaska and represents the driving desire for something that is unhealthy and can overtake a person or a group. Exercise mats, plaster, cardboard, curtains, flex rods and an interesting utility harness found at the thrift store make up this piece, modeled by Janie Henderson.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: thrifted satin, tulle, hula-hoops, paper mache

The first life on Earth was unicellular. Clumps of these prokaryotic beings banded together to accomplish that which could not be done alone. Artists and models Mary Rose Maley and Molly O’Rear celebrate that transition and the diversity that eventually flourished, a reminder that despite our differences we all rose from the same goop.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: expired and/or discarded New Beginnings Birthing Center materials: sterile drapes, lab tubes, syringes, tubing, various other materials used by the unit when caring for patients.

Lindsey Hawks celebrates the mothers who gave birth to us and raised us, and all the mothers that came before us. Her piece honors the feminine energy, power, strength, compassion, and intuition running through womens’ veins. This piece honors the perseverance to continue to pour love and healing into the world, sometimes against pain, injustice, and day-to-day struggles.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: fabric, ribbons, beads, wovenleather, beading, embroidery, kilt, “Pride of Scottland” colors and ribbons to represent both the Sami, and Norwegian, family herlooms

Janalee Gage and Krystalee Guinn blend Scottish, Sami Norwegian and Abenaki heritages in this piece. It is an attempt to free the ancestors by embodying their secrets. To heal the past and find harmony in life, we must embrace all we are, and live authentically. Model Janalee encourages us all to embrace equity, diversity and inclusion, and to hold up our identities with pride.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: rattan reeds, rice paper, paint, fiber optics, black light

Plankton are known for their wandering, drifting nature, unable to swim against the tide, yet their importance to the ecosystem is unmistakable. Artist and model Lindsey Johnson, with help from artist Cole Johnson, say that humans can feel the same-endlessly wandering and reaching out in the dark- but our existence, creativity, curiosity, and passion perpetuate our innate need to connect and make change. We are plankton and we glow.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: 68 individual sewn pieces of red and black sea otter, poem by Christy is translated into Tlingit by Lance Churchill and written on the inside of the coat.

“Black Blood Coat” designed by Tlingit artist Christy Ruby is modeled by Tsimshian Tabitha Brown. The year is 1943 in Southeast Alaska. Number 167, 8 years old, sits at her school desk, hiding her hands, red and welted. Her Native tongue burning from the lye soap. SHE is a survivor.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: recycled parachute, up-cycled leotard, lightcatcher crystals, faux gems, holographic acrylic sheeting, fabric, resin

This piece explores the profound truth that our roots extend beyond the Earth, reaching into the heavens themselves. Born from the same stars that illuminated the universe’s first moments, we carry within us the echo of creation—an ancient connection to the divine source of all life

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: tree roots, fabric, shiny ribbon

Archaeopteryx is the link between dinosaurs and birds. It’s the start of the wonderful, magical, captivating world of birds. Artist and model Barbara Morgan pays homage to that beginning of the bird world, with this piece made from tree roots. Use your roots to fly!

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: 18,000 beads and crystals (15 pounds!), hundreds of hand-sewn sequins

Artist and model Milbia Fuller was inspired by mosaic art - broken pieces remade into something beautiful. After being shattered into pieces, you can be carefully reassembled, each fragment now a part of something more intricate and radiant. The brokenness becomes the foundation of a new, beautiful whole, a mosaic of strength and transformation.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: shimmery fabric, beads, spray foam insulation

We may appear different on the outside, but artist Arizona Jacobs reminds us that, on the inside, we all seek to be seen. We all have struggles. We’re all trying to make sense of our experiences. We all yearn for connection. Model Mika Hirano shows how, beneath our varied exteriors lie tissues and bones, arteries and veins, and one beating heart.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: Silver Queen Corn root balls, corn husks, Indian corn, popped corn and dental polish cups

Artist and model Diane Palmer grew nine Silver Queen corn plants last summer that reached over 9 feet tall. Although the corn did not mature, the root balls were amazing, and she used them for her headpiece. She also used more than 400 dental polish cups saved for by by her former dental hygienist, knowing that Palmer could put them to good use.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: metal... lots and lots of heavy metal

If the square root qualifies for back to my roots, artist and model Rhonda Green is set. Finding the correct formula to build a dome made of metal triangles was quite a task. She then used a plasma cutter to incorporate her family roots, including the Tlingit Eagle and Bear. If you were to wear this piece, you’d understand the meaning of “Sphere Pain”.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: card stock, resin, 3D printed details, recycled plastics

Yasuke was a Samurai of African origin who served Oda Nobunaga between 1581 and 1582. This Samurai armor is an artistic exploration by artist Jerry Caple of this cross-cultural icon in Japanese history. Model Joe Williams IV helps tell the story of Yasuke, shedding light on a historical figure who has been forgotten, hidden, or erased.

Image by Matt Armstrong

Materials: satin fabrics, iridescent bobbles, LED lights

Sacred lady parts have been depicted from prehistory onwards. From visual art forms to sculpted Venus figurines, humans have long been enamored by the beauty and power of women. Loren McCue gives you the beautiful place where the magic of creation erupts into life. The pathway to the great power of women, the mystery, the heart, the wild unending sexuality and creativity of women. The place that is the start to every person’s journey - the root of our existence.